greene

I am hoping you can help me plan a romantic surprise for my husband while we are in Italy. We got married last October, but had to put off our honeymoon until this September because my mother had a severe accident (we also signifantly downsized our wedding for the same reason).

Initially, I was hoping to have our vows renewed in Italy, but planning for that became a little overwhelming. I would like to do something to surprise him (maybe a special dinner or day-trip--something private and romantic).

We will be in Cinque Terre for a week (maybe something on the Via dell'Amore?), Chianti for a day (maybe a private chef?), Montalcino for a day and Rome for 5 days (I recently heard something about a bridge and locks--but it has supposedly gotten very touristy).

If anyone has any suggestions, I would be very grateful. This past year has been hard on both of us due to my mother's accident and without my husband, I never would have gotten through it. He deserves something very special.

Thanks.

Julia_E

What about a romantic dinner overlooking the Tuscan countryside or at a winery in Chianti? What about cooking school for a few days in Umbria, Tuscany and Chianti. Lucca is such a beautiful, medieval, walled city. Also, there is a little restaurant in Montalcino, which is operated by one of Italy's best chefs, and serves Tuscan cuisine in a rustic, but elegant setting. You could take a romantic picnic to a luxurious winery, enjoy several tastings and a private tour, buy wine for lunch and wine to take home with you to enjoy for many months.

Best Regards,
Julia

JeanneB

What is he interested in? History? Cuisine? Wine? Architecture?

There's a (pricey) night time private tour of the Vatican that sounds fabulous. But it's something like 250eu per person... beyond my poor budget.

greene

Julia_E--together, my husband and I have planned two vineyard tours and several restaurant reservations, and our tuscan cities are fairly set in stone since we have only two days to explore. But I will think about looking into a private tour--I just don't think he'd be that surprised since we have already discussed reserving a private day tour of Chianti.

JeanneB--the private Vatican tour is an excellent idea! Unfortunately, it is also out of my price range

Can you think of anything else similar that might cost around $350 or so?

My husband loves architecture, wine and food. He will love the ruins, catacombs and Pompeii.

dorie

We just returned from Rome last month and placed a lock on a lamp post at the bridge. It was fun, there are thousands of locks and they are all showing signs of wear from the dampness. The view is beautiful and its just a fun thing to do in Rome.

Jean

Just a comment on the vow renewal idea: You don't have to make arrangements for this. Just pick a romantic place where the two of you can say what's in your hearts. A bottle of prosecco wouldn't hurt the atmosphere! In Rome, I'd pick Piazza Garibaldi.

Ninkette

How about a hot air ballon ride in Tuscany? When we stayed in Montalcino another couple was telling us about how they were going to take one the next day early in the morning, and I've seen some amazing pics posted on here from rides that Fodorites have taken. Maybe you could arrange with the hotel for a special picnic breakfast or lunch and a hot air balloon ride.

SuzieCII

Well? Whatever you do....and there are people here who know this stuff...
You made me all misty-eyed. Best of luck, But of luck on a surprise. Live, Love and Laugh often (sounds like you already got this 'going on'.
I want more details about what bridge and what locks.
Believe it or not, at 56 I'm a newly wed too, we were married on 10/4/06.
We are going to Rome in November. I think the lock thing would be so significant!

Henry

greene,
"He deserves something very special". I think he already has that.

Suggestions: Lunch or dinner at Banfi. Near Montalcino. See http://www.castellobanfi.com/tour/ri...llo_banfi.html

That will take care of food and wine.

For ruins try Ostia Antica. Near Rome See http://www.ostia-antica.org/indexes.htm

Henry

greene

Thanks for everyone's suggestions! I will let you all know what I decide to do and how it goes.